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Dear friends and neighbors,
We've marked the end of the 2026 Legislative Session. The Floor action the last week of session was productive but hectic, and I’m very happy to be back home. In this newsletter, I share some budget highlights on investments that support families, strengthen local infrastructure, and maintain services that our communities rely on.
Transportation: Focus on Ferries
Ferry service is a lifeline for communities across our region. As co-chair of the Ferry Caucus and a member of the Transportation Committee, I worked closely with budget writers to secure funding for targeted investments to improve reliability now, while also preparing for the future.
We’re accelerating $29 million in ferry construction funding over the next four years to help keep projects on track and get boats into service faster. We’re also investing $31 million to electrify three terminals—supporting cleaner operations and preparing for up to four electric ferries by 2032.
To keep service dependable, the supplemental transportation budget also includes:
- $2 million for a dedicated emergency repair team so vessel issues can be fixed quickly without impacting or pulling resources from active lay-ups.
- $500,000 to study a potential state-run dockyard to improve maintenance capacity.
- $254,000 to expand storage and purchasing capacity for critical parts and equipment.
- $750,000 to bring together experts to plan for long-term ferry preservation, replacement, and system improvements, including exploring emerging technologies.
These investments strengthen our transportation system and help ensure ferry riders can count on safe and reliable service today, while we build a more sustainable structure for the future.
$890 Million Supplemental Capital Budget
The capital budget makes significant investments in the physical infrastructure our communities rely on — housing, schools, behavioral health facilities, and environmental restoration.
Statewide Highlights:
- $200 million in housing and homelessness projects prioritizing shovel-ready developments
- $109 million for public school construction and modernization
- $46 million for flood response to the impacts of the December 2025 flood events
I’m also happy to report that this budget invests in several priority projects right here in the 10th, including:
- $266,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Island County for the Grace Landing Project in Langley
- $342,000 for the Veterans’ Health Initiative, supporting infrastructure for expanded health services for veterans in our area
- $515,000 for water infrastructure improvements in La Conner
- $620,000 from last year’s appropriations are repurposed for updates and improvements at the Oak Harbor Marina, supporting waterfront infrastructure and economic activity in the community
The budget also supports environmental restoration and community facilities across the region. The Double Bluff Community Forest project was placed back on the Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP) list as the first alternate, positioning the project for future funding. Protecting more than 250 acres of shoreline and forest would expand public access, outdoor recreation, and habitat protection while preserving an important natural area for the community.
Supporting Higher Education and Workforce Training
As chair of the House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee, I work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support students and strengthen workforce training programs. The supplemental operating budget continues supporting our state’s higher education institutions and workforce training programs through community and technical colleges. It also increases funding for the Washington College Grant by $198 million, which helps more than 95,000 students each year afford college or career training.
These investments help prepare students for good-paying careers while strengthening the workforce our communities and employers rely on.
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Thank you for taking the time to stay informed about the work happening in Olympia. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office if you have questions, concerns, or ideas to share.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your representative.
Sincerely,
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